Our Sustainability Promise | Ethical Travel & Eco-Certified Lodges | Lodge Locater.
Explore our core commitment to sustainable travel. Learn how we vet eco-lodges, offset our footprint, and empower you to journey responsibly. Your choices matter.
Our Core Belief: Travel Must Be a Force for Good
At Lodge Locater, we believe the future of travel is not just about where you go, but how you go. We are built on a simple, powerful promise: to connect you with the world in a way that protects its beauty, supports its communities, and preserves its wonders for generations to come.
We are more than a booking platform; we are your partner in responsible exploration. This page outlines the concrete actions we take, the standards we uphold, and how you can journey with purpose.
Our Three-Pillar Framework for Sustainable Travel
Our promise is built on a framework that guides every aspect of our business, from our internal operations to the partners we showcase.
1. Our Operational Footprint: Leading by Example
We hold ourselves accountable first. Our commitment to sustainability begins at home.
- A Carbon-Neutral Company: We measure and offset 100% of our operational carbon emissions (including office energy, team travel, and servers) through verified reforestation and renewable energy projects.
- Green by Design: Our website is hosted with a provider powered by renewable energy. We continuously optimize our digital infrastructure for energy efficiency.
- Conscious Team Culture: We support remote work to reduce commuting, follow a strict reduce-reuse-recycle policy, and provide team volunteer days for local environmental initiatives.
2. Our Partner Standards: Curating a Better Way to Stay
Not every lodge is listed on Lodge Locater. We actively seek and verify partners who share our ethos through our Sustainable Lodge Badge program. Properties must demonstrate actionable commitments in these key areas:
| Pillar | What We Look For | How We Verify |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Environmental Stewardship | Energy & water conservation, waste reduction (especially plastic), use of renewable resources, protection of native biodiversity, and sustainable building design. | On-site audits, utility reports, and certification from recognized bodies (e.g., EarthCheck, Green Key, LEED). |
| 🤝 Community Commitment | Fair wages & local employment, support for community projects (health, education), sourcing from local suppliers, and respectful cultural engagement. | Documentation of community partnerships, local employment rates, and direct feedback from community liaisons. |
| 🐾 Conservation Impact | Direct financial or active support for wildlife conservation, habitat protection, anti-poaching units, or scientific research. | Partnerships with recognized NGOs, guest conservation levies with transparent reporting, and on-site expert guides. |
Our Badge System:
- Verified Sustainable Lodge: Meets a core set of verifiable criteria across all three pillars.
- Leader in Sustainability: Exceeds standards, demonstrating innovation and leadership, often with multiple third-party certifications.
3. Our Promise to You: Empowering Responsible Choices
We empower you to make informed decisions that align with your values.
- Transparent Filtering: Use our search tools to filter specifically for lodges with our Sustainable Badge, or by specific practices like “solar-powered” or “plastic-free.”
- Honest Impact Notes: Every lodge profile includes a clear “Our Impact” section, detailing their key sustainability and community initiatives.
- Educational Resources: Access our Traveler’s Guide to Sustainable Travel, with practical tips on packing, cultural etiquette, and reducing your footprint on the road.
The Lodge Locater Sustainable Traveler’s Checklist
We invite you to join us in this commitment. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- [ ] Book Thoughtfully: Choose a lodge with our Sustainable Badge and read their impact story.
- [ ] Travel Lightly: Pack reusable bottles, bags, and toiletries to minimize single-use plastic.
- [ ] Respect Wildlife: Choose ethical, observation-only experiences; never feed or touch wild animals.
- [ ] Support Local: Eat at local restaurants, hire local guides, and buy souvenirs from artisan makers.
- [ ] Conserve Resources: Reuse towels, turn off lights and AC when leaving your room, and take shorter showers.
- [ ] Be Culturally Curious: Learn a few phrases in the local language and respect customs and dress codes.
- [ ] Leave No Trace: Stay on trails, never litter, and avoid disturbing natural or historical sites.
This is a Living Promise
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We are committed to:
- Annual Auditing: Reviewing and raising our own operational and partnership standards each year.
- Transparent Reporting: Publishing an annual Sustainability Impact Report on our goals and progress.
- Listening & Evolving: Incorporating feedback from our community of travelers, partners, and sustainability experts.
Explore, Stay, and Protect with Us
Your journey has the power to create a positive ripple effect. By choosing Lodge Locater, you’re supporting a vision of travel that gives back.
Ready to travel in a way that matches your values?
Browse Our Verified Sustainable Lodges | Read Our Traveler’s Guide |
Have a question or suggestion about our promise?
We believe in accountability and dialogue. Please reach out to our sustainability team.
Together, let’s not just locate lodges. Let’s locate a better future for travel.
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